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Canisius student-athletes heading to collegiate level

A group of student-athletes at Canisius High School were celebrated Thursday afternoon for their opportunities to play athletics at the collegiate level.

Ten athletes signed for six different sports in front of family and friends. The signing ceremony was held in the Kennedy Field House on the Canisius High School campus.

Below is a list of the athletes and the details regarding their next step.

1. Christian Balkin: signed with the Canisius College swim team. Balkin was a four-year member of the Canisius swim team and was a New York State Federation Qualifier over the last three years. This season he was an All-Catholic Champion in the 200 medley relay and the 500 freestyle and was a New York State Federation Champion in the 200 freestyle relay.

2. Jarrett Benton: signed with the Morrisville State College football team. Benton has a unique story because he never played football before his sophomore year of high school. He worked his way into a key contributor for the Crusaders on the offensive side of the ball that wound up setting a school record for points. He was a member of the All-Catholic team his senior year.

3. Randolph Chi: signed with the Drew University fencing team. Chi has been competing in national events since the age of 13 and is getting the opportunity to fence in college despite not competing on a high school team. He has represented Western New York at the Junior Olympics national Championships twice and competes year round in the U.S. and Canada.

4. Brad Currell: signed with the John Carroll University football team. Currell was a dominant blocker and leader on offense and was a two-year two-way starter on both lines during his junior and senior year. He was a two-time selection to the All-Catholic team and was selected to the All-Western New York and All State teams during his senior season.

5. Troy Gooch: signed with the Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wane volleyball team. Gooch is an outside hitter and Monsignor Martin player of the year. He played in 110 sets and recorded 593 kills, 49 blocks, and 66 aces. He was a First Team All-Western New York selection and was selected to multiple All-Tournament teams.

6. Christian Granto: signed with the Cabrini University swim team. Granto was a four year member of the Crusaders swim team. During his senior year at the All-Catholic Championships, he was a member of the 200 medley relay championship team, the 200 free relay championship team and was the 200 freestyle champion. He was also a part of the 200 freestyle relay team that won the NYS Federation Championsip.

7. Will McGennis: signed with the John Carroll University football team. McGennis was a team captain for this season's Crusaders football team and a two-year two-way starter. He recorded multiple tackles for loss and multiple sacks during his senior season. He was an All-Catholic team member his junior year and an All-State selection, All-WNY selection and a Trench Trophy finalist during his senior year.

8. Keenan Ollison: signed with the Brockport State University football team. Ollison was a two-year Varsity starter and played almost every position on the field. He made several key catches, tackles and interceptions during his time with the Crusaders. He was an All-Catholic team selection during his junior and senior seasons and an All-WNY and All-State selection during his senior season.

9. Allen Tompkins: signed with the Franklin and Marshall squash team. Tompkins was a four year-team member of the Crusaders team and a captain his senior year. He went 17-1 in High School Championships and was undefeated in league play during his high school career. He's ranked 93 in the U.S. in Boys U19 and has two National Division Championships.

10. Brendan Trapper: signed with the St. John Fisher basketball team. Trapper was a leader on the Crusaders basketball team that made a run in this year's Monsignor Martin Championships. One of his best games of the year came against the Park School of Buffalo where he recorded 10 points and 12 rebounds. He averaged six points and five rebounds a game this season.